On this page:

Clinical presentation

painful urination

bloody, dark, cloudy urine

urinary frequency

urinary incontinence

urinary urgency

systemic symptoms: fevers, chills, rigors, tiredness, confusion

Pathology

UTIs occur when there is bacterial colonization of the uroepithelium and a subsequent inflammatory response. Classically, the urine and urinary collecting system were considered sterile, however, there is some debate on whether a small amount of bacterial colonization is normal 5. Given this, and that voiding urinary samples may be contaminated by skin or rectal reservoir flora, bacteriuria is suggestive of a UTI, but bacteriuria and pyuria (white blood cells in the urine) is much more specific for infection.

Uncomplicated vs complicated UTI

uncomplicated: an otherwise healthy patient with a structurally and functionally normal urinary tract

complicated: factors are present that decrease the likelihood of therapy being effective